Vinicius International has officially commenced local production of security hardware in Nigeria, a move that will significantly reduce Africa’s dependence on imported defence equipment.

The company, fully licenced under the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), has established an armoured vehicle assembly line and integrated surveillance solutions hub in Abuja, creating what industry experts describe as a major milestone for indigenous security equipment manufacturing.

The new facility came at a time when Africa’s military expenditure surged to $51.6 billion in 2023 – a 22 per cent increase in just one year – yet more than 95 per cent of Africa’s security hardware continues to be imported from countries such as Russia, China, the United States and major European suppliers.

The company explained that this dependence often exposes governments to supply chain delays and fluctuating geopolitical priorities, with heavy consequences for national security.

It noted that it seeks to change that equation, saying its operations in Abuja will assemble tactical armoured vehicles designed for African terrain and security conditions while integrating advanced surveillance and unmanned aerial systems tailored for local realities.

The company disclosed that it is also investing in training through its Advanced Security Command and Control (ASCC) division, where it will equip security personnel with the technical skills to deploy and maintain modern systems.

Findings showed that the company has already demonstrated its capacity at scale. In January 2024, it delivered more than 1,000 armoured vehicles to Nigerian security forces, signalling what industry observers have called “a decisive step towards security self-reliance.”

Beyond hardware, the company offers integrated surveillance and access control solutions, UAV procurement, and logistics support, providing government agencies with one-stop capabilities rarely available from local suppliers.

The impact extends beyond Nigeria’s borders. With insecurity rising across West and Central Africa, and defence budgets expanding in countries such as South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo, the facility is expected to serve as a regional production hub.

A security analyst, who spoke on the development but preferred anonymity, noted: “Africa’s need for reliable, locally built security hardware has never been greater. Vinicius is bridging a capability gap that has persisted for decades.”